Gangs, gaffes and two guys named Chris: why I’m glued to the New Zealand election contest | Clarke Gayford

Every three years, New Zealanders’ carefully curated ‘nice guy’ persona is put to one side It’s a big week in global politics, as the tension of a critical election crackles like electricity. The fight for the soul of a nation is at stake and has ramifications for the wider world as we absorb the only poll that truly matters – that of the 2026 New Zealand general election. At times the campaign has risked overwhelming even the United States midterms, with office water coolers reaching boiling point from the political hot-take hydration breaks. That is, of course, if you find yourself inside the boundaries of the best-looking little country on Earth. A place where every three years, New Zealanders’ carefully curated “nice guy” persona is put to one side as the contest of mate against mate, state against … well, itself, takes place. Continue reading...